Another big year in Fashion for Hongkong, as it opened today two concurrent fair, HongKong’s Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2015 and World Boutique 2015 with some 1,800 exhibitors from around the world taking part. The two fairs expect 118 buying missions from 43 countries and regions, consisting of over 6,000 buyers from over 4,200 companies. Participants from Greece, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, New Zealand, and the Netherlands will be taking part for the first time.

These prestigious fairs are being organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC under the theme of “Light Me Up’. The four-day fair is held from 19-22 Jan at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

A variety of novel and functional fabrics are on display during Fashion Week. The Taiwan Sweater Industry Association is presenting its sweaters that use nanotechnology to generate and retain warmth so as to increase body temperature by two degrees centigrade or more. Meanwhile, Hong Kong company Nano Mintex is showcasing its products that use nanotechnology in clothing tailored to outdoor activities.

The 13th World Boutique, Hong Kong features a record number of more than 660 local and international brands. They include 2%, MOISELLE, Shanghai Tang and ZALORA as well as Aquascutum from the United Kingdom while MARCCAIN of Germany is the single largest exhibitor. Among the 300-plus exhibitors are new participants from Finland, Nepal, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. New to the event this year is the Fashionally Pavilion which is dedicated to presenting designs from various local designers. The Finland-Hong Kong Trade Association and the Thailand Textile Institute have organised new group pavilions to debut in the exhibition. Taiwan Textile Federation will also showcase various functional textile products. The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd is also leading seven watch brands such as Memorigin, Edwin and Temporis to showcase at the fair.

Over 30 fashion shows, including the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza 2015 presented by Audi Hong Kong, will be showcased during World Boutique, Hong Kong. The shows include celebrated designers from Europe, the US and Asia, namely, Hong Kong design duo Eri Chu and Philip Chu, Loris Diran from New York, Swedish designer Lars Wallin and renowned designer Wang Yutao from Beijing.

A sparkling climax to the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2015 tomorrow will see the 16 finalists display their design creations on stage at the HKCEC, competing for honours in the following four categories: Contemporary Day-wear Group, Party & Evening-wear Group, Best Accessories Design Award and Overall Winner. H&M Creative Advisor Margareta van den Bosch of Sweden will be the VIP Judge. Ten recent winners of the contest, who have started their own labels, are participating in Fashion Week and World Boutique, Hong Kong.

The annual KIDS Knitwear Symphony will take place on January 21st. The Knitwear Symphony is an annual show presented by the Knitwear Innovation and Design Society (KIDS), which features the work of top knitwear designers in Hong Kong.

Over the course of four days, 13 sessions of fashion shows will unveil the latest designs of famous international brands. The lineup will include Two Percent, Aquascutum, Episode, Ika Butoni, Jessica, Lu Lu Cheung, Marc Cain, Moiselle, Shanghai Tang, and Zalora. The famous Hong Kong-based multi-brand group, I.T, will also participate, showcasing designs from 5cm, Izzue, Mini Cream, and Musium Div.

Being the largest of its kind in Asia, Hong Kong Fashion Week also boasts over 20 product zones where all of the latest and most innovative materials are showcased. Following the growing trend towards sustainability, most companies are using eco-friendly, functional fabrics and methods in their production. This year, the Thermal Clothing Zone is making its debut in the fair. Manufacturers and suppliers of materials for functional clothing in extreme weather will be featured in this new zone.

World Boutique, Hong Kong will open its doors to the public (aged 12 or above) on the final day of the event (22 Jan) from 9.30am to 5pm. Public Day activities include Swinging 60's by 90's Vintage Fashion Parade co-organised with the Hong Kong Design Institute, Chic Fashion Upcycling Demo, Makeup Demo by M.A.C Hong Kong Senior Artist Ryuko Lau, celebrity entertainment events fully supported by Metro Radio, fashion parades and lucky draws. The public will have a chance to purchase the latest fashion items directly from the exhibitors during the Public Day.

Hong Kong Fashion Week and World Boutique are guaranteed to be more spectacular than ever in 2015. Bringing the unique flavor of Asian fashion to the world stage, these fairs continue to be one of the most important fashion events in the world.